THE BISHOPRIC OF AUCKLAND.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 12003, 27 June 1902, Page 7

THE BISHOPRIC OF AUCKLAND.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir,—l notice a letter under this heading in this morning's paper. We Anglicans are most dreadful people for running into print and discussing our homo affairs' in public. There are two or three causes for this, with all our faults, of which our neighbours know more than wo do. We do try to cultivate honesty and truthfulness, and the consequence is that many of our people fail to learn the correlative virtue of reticence. Again, we try to teach our people* to stand alone, to depend on themselves, act on their own judgment and responsibility, and be, in fact, men who are Christian men, riot mere automata. Our people arc never "priestridden," to use an awkward popular word? But it is difficult to teach all sorts of people to be self-reliant,' and at the same time wise. The quality of good judgment is not always sought for or cultivated by those who have learnt self-reliance. I suppose some " Loyala," /for "Xavier," or other upstart, using a peiiname of which he is unworthy, will ask the question how is this sort of teaching to be reconciled with obedience to God or the grace of God. Well, a little common sense will show him. But what I want to say now, is what I should not say in a paper, if such a letter had hot appeared. The time is not ripe for the discussion of the future bishop. Any pointing to special men will certainly not make them any nearer the Bishopric. Any scheming or working on electioneering tactics is profane. The one duty of each and all the members of the " Church of the province of New Zealand" is to say their prayers and look for Divine guidance, and to put aside all mere private opinions. People who write in the spirit of this Member, etc.," do not deserve to have a bishop over them. What we want is the very best man that can be got, and it matters very little whether ho comes from England, U.S.A., New Zealand, or the Commonwealth. It is the tit man which is required. Think, but do lidt try to prejudice judgments; it is too serious, and above all I Would recommend this "Member" to say his prayers more and scheme less.—l atfl, e t c . W. Edward Lush.